Hypopyon

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
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Hypopyon
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pus in the anterior chamber of the eye
Complications	Vision impairment, corneal ulcer
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, inflammation
Risks	Contact lens use, eye surgery, trauma
Diagnosis	Slit lamp examination
Differential diagnosis	Hyphema, iritis, uveitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antibiotics, steroids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

An accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye

A clinical image showing hypopyon in the anterior chamber of the eye.

A hypopyon is an accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye. It is a clinical sign that indicates the presence of inflammation within the eye, often due to an infection or other inflammatory processes. The pus is composed of white blood cells, fibrin, and other inflammatory debris.

Causes

Hypopyon can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Endophthalmitis: A severe inflammation of the interior of the eye, often due to infection following surgery or trauma.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, which can be due to infectious or non-infectious causes.
• Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, which can lead to hypopyon if severe.
• Beh√ßet's disease: A systemic inflammatory disorder that can affect the eyes.

Symptoms

Patients with hypopyon may experience:

• Redness of the eye
• Pain in the eye
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Visible white or yellowish layer in the lower part of the iris

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hypopyon is primarily clinical, based on the observation of pus in the anterior chamber. Additional tests may include:

• Slit lamp examination: To assess the extent of inflammation and check for other signs of eye disease.
• Ultrasound: To evaluate the posterior segment of the eye if the view is obscured.
• Culture and sensitivity tests: To identify infectious organisms if an infection is suspected.

Treatment

The treatment of hypopyon depends on the underlying cause:

• For infectious causes, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be administered.
• For inflammatory causes, corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications may be used.
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying issue.

Prognosis

The prognosis for hypopyon varies depending on the cause and the timeliness of treatment. Prompt and appropriate management of the underlying condition can lead to a good outcome, while delayed treatment may result in complications such as vision loss.

See also

• Anterior chamber of the eye
• Endophthalmitis
• Uveitis
• Keratitis